Mandala, a Sanskrit word that means "circle," is a sacred diagram created in sand or paint. It symbolizes the pure, perfected universe, and provides a visual framework for establishing feelings of peace, well-being and wholeness. Composed of millions of grains of dyed sand, the mandala is believed to have a positive effect on all who see it as each particle personifies goodness. Created by Buddhist monks and nuns, the mandala is part of initiation ceremonies -- accompanied by other ritual art objects, costumed dancers, music and chanting -- that grant the initiate the privilege to study and practice the teachings of a sutra or tantra, sacred texts that are guides to visualizing a particular deity.Sand mandala takes weeks to make. After completion it is destroyed signifying impermanence of things. If you haven’t seen sand mandalas being made then you have missed something big. This blogger rates at top must see art form. It is a brilliant conception, consider also that these people have lived in most remotest of region . I spend almost two hours watching it being made, it is so delicate needs very sophisticated handling. After few days when I came back to see the complete mandala I was moved-it affected me deeply, it is an experience that cannot really be described.
